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Step one: prepare and protect
Start by sweeping loose debris and moving vehicles, planters and toys. Close nearby windows, cover outdoor outlets and shield delicate plants with plastic sheeting. Identify the surface, because concrete tolerates more force than pavers, brick or sealed asphalt. In the worked example, a concrete driveway has two oil stains, so apply a degreaser to those spots and let it sit according to the label before any rinsing. Wear closed shoes, eye protection and gloves. Check hoses and fittings for cracks, connect water before starting the engine or motor, and test the trigger lock so the wand never fires unexpectedly.
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Step two: match nozzle, distance and motion
Choose a wider fan nozzle first, commonly a 25 or 40 degree tip, and begin with the wand about a foot or more above the surface. Move closer only if grime remains. Narrow tips concentrate force and can etch concrete or leave stripe marks, so avoid them for general cleaning. In the example, clean the main slab in overlapping, even passes, working from the highest point down toward the street so dirty water drains away. Treat the oil spots with a gentle scrubbing brush between rinses. Never point the wand at people, pets, windows or your own feet, and keep the spray angled slightly rather than straight down.
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Step three: rinse, inspect and decide on follow-up
Rinse the entire driveway once the passes are complete so leftover cleaner does not dry as residue. Walk the surface after it begins to dry, because streaks, missed corners and faint stains show more clearly then. In the example, one oil spot is lighter but still visible, so a second degreaser application and a short rinse is better than raising pressure. Check expansion joints and edges for damage you may have uncovered. Decide whether sealing is worthwhile once the concrete is fully dry, and write down the nozzle, distance and cleaner used so the next cleaning is faster and more consistent.